FTC sends signal it could break up big tech

[tangor]

The boss of the Federal Trade Commission, Joe Simons, said yesterday that his agency could split up big technology companies if other solutions or remedies did not work.

[theregister.co.uk...]

Those hoping this happens should not hold their breath. There are two investigations on going, one from the FTC, the other from DOJ. Given the rate of government action (generally GLACIAL) nothing will happen "soon".

But this comment is different from previous and big tech needs to wake up because the other side is waking up, too!

Confine comments to the break up to tech, not politics. Keep it related to competition, privacy concerns, information exchange. And how it might affect you, as a webmaster.

One of the comments by Simmons was going back and undoing big tech acquistions (think FB and instagram and snapchat, eg). This could radically change the info highway landscape.

[IanCP]

We continue to live in hope and pray...

For positive action...

Finally

[tangor]

@IanCP ... the operative word is POSITIVE!

Patience required, and PERSISTENCE as well.

HOWEVER, let us not forget that most things "government" rarely work as intended so might have other issues down the line.

My favorite horror story in two sentences is:

"I am from the government. I am here to help you."

.

[cnvi]

If this thread’s details impacts your way of doing business, take 15 mins and write to the DOJ and FTC. It does take a village.

Also respectfully ask the owners of this site to bring in Tim Berners Lee to the next Pubcon.

[goodoldweb]

Many of us have been sounding the alarm bells since around 2005. It was quite clear already back than what google are doing and what's coming next, "tin foil hat" they've called us. "You lost traffic you must be a spammer" they've said... yea right.

[engine]

Thanks for all the comments.
I think this thread has run its course.